Mazda’s Revamped CX-5 to Battle Nissan Qashqai

MADRID ─ Mazda sells mostly gasoline-powered vehicles in Spain, but a company executive defends diesel engines during his speech at Automobile Barcelona, the new name for the former Barcelona Motor Show.

“I cannot understand that authorities are going to allow to circulate in the streets of the Spanish cities, vehicles driven by gasoline Euro 6 engines and not those that are moved by Euro 6 diesel engines, when the pollutant emissions of both are very similar,” says Jose Terol, president and CEO of the Japanese brand’s subsidiary in Spain.

Mazda Spain exhibits a revised CX-5 that launched recently in Spain. Terol considers the refresh an “intermediate stage” preceding a completely redesigned model. The CX-5 has been Mazda’s best-selling model in Europe (and represents 40% of total Mazda sales in Spain), competing with the Nissan Qashqai.

Among Spanish buyers of the refreshed CX-5, 65% have chosen gasoline engines early in the launch.

“It is 5 percentage points over our initial 60% forecast, showing perhaps the effects of the recent demonization campaign of the diesel engine in West Europe,” Terol says. Mazda is launching a diesel CX-5 in the U.S. later this year.

Mazda Spain says the latest CX-5 was developed with a high level of attention to detail in the passenger compartment, as well as Skyactiv gasoline and diesel engines to improve performance and reduce fuel consumption.

The model incorporates a power-opening tailgate and head-up display projected on the windshield.

Mazda’s special-edition Ignition MX5 RF priced in Spain at €35,990 ($40,602).

Also at Automobile Barcelona, Mazda displays a special-edition Ignition MX5 RF, which reinforces the brand’s sporty character with “Soul Red” exterior color and 17-in. BBS alloy wheels.

This Ignition MX5 RF also has Recaro sport seats and Alcantara microsuede trim on the instrument panel and doors, as well as a Bose sound system with nine speakers. Power comes from a 160-hp 2.0L gasoline engine.

The Ignition MX5 RF is priced at €35,990 ($40,602), plus €550 ($620) for the red paint job.